Labradorite is a feldspar mineral that is most often found in mafic igneous rocks. Some specimens of labradorite exhibit what is called a "schiller effect", which is a strong play of iridescent blue, green, red, orange, and yellow colors. Labradorite is so well known for these spectacular displays of color that the phenomenon is known as "labradorescence." Polishing Labradorite makes this labradorescence much more prominent.

Labradorite Quick Facts

Labradorite was first discovered in Labrador, Canada in 1770 hence the name. The most commercially available Labradorite is now mined from Madagascar and Russia.

Labradorite can display a brilliant, iridescent play of colors, caused by internal fractures in the minderal that reflect light and disperse it into different colors. This effect is known as labradorescence.

Labradorite rarely forms crystals. When it does, they are typically tabular and often twinned. Most Labradorite occurs as massive , grainy, rounded chunky masses, and fragments.

Spectrolite is an intense variety of Labradorite displaying the entire color spectrum that was discovered in Finland.

Labradorite has become a popular gemstone because of the unique iridescent play-of-colors but larger pieces can also be cut and polished into everything from tabletops to floor tiles.

It referenced in legends by older Inuit tribes who say the first Labradorite fell from the Aurora Borealis